Dear Parents/Families:
I hope this finds you well and excited for another year of school. Below are several reminders regarding student health at school.
Immunizations:
Please be sure your children’s immunizations are up to date before school starts. You can contact your clinic/provider for this information. Additional immunizations received during the school year should be reported to the school nurse.
Requirements for Pre-K Students:
4 doses DTaP/DTP/DT
3 doses Polio
3 doses Hepatitis B
1 dose MMR
1 dose Varicella
Requirements for Kindergarten Students:
4 doses DTaP/DTP/DT
3 doses Polio
3 doses Hepatitis B
2 doses MMR
2 doses Varicella
Requirement for Students Entering 7th Grade (this is new, it was previously 6th grade):
1 dose of Tdap
If your child has received a tetanus-containing vaccine in the past five years, they are exempt from this requirement. Proof of either is necessary.
Evidence of immunity through lab testing of measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B is also acceptable. If your child has had chickenpox, proof of illness from a healthcare provider will also be accepted. Parents choosing not to vaccinate their children will need to complete a waiver and return that to the school. A new waiver is required at each of the above grade levels.
Medications:
Non-prescription medications must be provided by the parent in its original container. Tylenol, ibuprofen, Benadryl, etc. will NOT be provided by the school. All medication must be checked in and kept in the school office. Dosage requests from parents that are greater than package recommendations will not be administered without a doctor’s order (see prescription medications). Medications will not be administered if they are not in their original container and written parent permission is not received. A medication consent form is enclosed with this mailing, complete the bottom portion only for non-prescription meds.
Prescription medications must have a signed order from the health care provider and the parent’s written permission before they can be administered. Medication must be in its original container from the pharmacy.
At no time is a student to carry or administer their own medications without the proper paperwork and permission forms completed. A medication consent form is enclosed with this mailing. Parents complete the bottom portion. A healthcare provider completes and signs the top portion. Many health systems have computer generated medication at school forms with an electronic signature from the provider. This is an acceptable alternative to the top portion of the school form. Forms may also be faxed to your child’s school if that is more convenient.
Medical Conditions:
Children with medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies, asthma, etc. that require additional supplies, need to have all necessary supplies and equipment to the school before the first day of school. The open house is a great opportunity to bring in supplies.
Diabetes - students are encouraged to have a snack supply kept in the nurse’s office/classroom to treat low blood sugar, in addition to a snack they keep close to them. It is required that a prescription treatment for hypoglycemia is kept at the school (Glucagon, Baqsimi, etc). Students also must have diabetes at school orders from their doctor. Please make sure all forms are complete and insulin and testing supplies are at the school by the first day.
Life threatening allergies - students that use an Epi-Pen need to supply their own pen for school. The pen, medication forms, and an allergy plan, need to be at the school by the first day.
Seizure disorders - students need to have their seizure plan, emergency medication, and paperwork to the school by the first day.
Asthma - students that use a rescue inhaler, need to have one at school. A medication consent form is required for this. Students need parent and physician approval to carry it on themselves.
Emergency Form:
Please look at this form (enclosed in this mailing) and make sure it is up to date!! Current medical condition information is very helpful when making decisions regarding your child’s care during illness or injury. Also, inform me of any new or changed health conditions during the school year.
Nurse Office Visits:
I am available at all schools daily. When care is given to a child, I will contact the parent/guardian by phone call, text or email, as deemed necessary. When it is determined that your child is ill enough to be sent home, you will be contacted by phone. Please make sure your contact information is up to date. This includes at least one emergency contact a current phone number.
Illness/Absence:
Please contact the school office in the morning if your child will be absent and inform them why he/she will not be attending. If your child has been ill, he/she should be free of a fever for 24 hours or symptoms of a fever (chills, flushed appearance, feeling warm, or sweating), without the use of fever-reducing medications before returning to school. For illnesses that cause two or more episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, a student needs to be free from these symptoms for 24 hrs before returning to school The Wisconsin Department of Health Services guidelines are used for communicable illnesses at school.
Screenings:
Vision and hearing screenings are conducted on select grade levels and as requested by a teacher or parent. Parent/guardian will be informed if a child does not pass a screening. The Northlakes Dental Clinic will also be offering dental screenings and sealants. This is free of charge regardless of insurance status. A consent form is included in this mailing.
I ask for your assistance in controlling the spread of all illnesses by keeping your child home if they are not feeling well or exhibiting symptoms of illness. Your willingness to help in this small way will keep everyone healthier. Contact me anytime if you have questions or concerns.
Kristin Olson, BSN, RN
School Nurse